Secret Santa exchanges go digital

The popular 'Elf on a Shelf' during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City / Associated Press

Holiday traditions are changing as technology changes. Every year my five siblings, their spouses, and I do a Secret Santa. My mother would put our names in a hat and pick who will buy for which sibling.

This year my sister-in-law asked me if she could set-up the Secret Santa online. Can you imagine: emails, wish lists, and we don’t have to pick names out of a hat?

Utilizing the program Elfster[2], our holiday Secret Santa was organized and interactive. This was especially useful being that we are all located throughout the U.S. We were able to have a stress-free shopping experience, thinking more about the gift we would buy. We were able to set up a wish list and get notifications throughout the season to remind us of our shopping.

So many things are changing as technology changes. A huge change is how we shop. I am able to check into locations, receive text message discounts, or simply just shop on my phone.

Everything is at my fingertips and so easy to understand. I don’t even have to wrap my presents if I don’t want to. To be honest, I still like the feel of going to a store, buying the gift, and wrapping it myself, but there is nothing wrong with using technology to help you shop smarter and easier.

Have a happy holiday and enjoy all the technology that is available to you!